If you're looking for a shrimp extravaganza, Arlington's own Shrimp Doc is the place to get your fix. With a mantra to keep it simple and do one thing right, co-owner David Harrison and the family behind Shrimp Doc are dishing out shrimp in every way imaginable, sticking very much to their "shrimp lane" mantra. "We want to be simple and effective," Harrison said. "We’re on one street. I don’t want to be disturbed. I want to do it, and I want to do it well. That’s why we stay in a shrimp lane. Nothing but shrimp", according to the City of Arlington, Texas.
Opening its storefront at 710 E Sublett Road Suite 175 in early 2023, Shrimp Doc quickly became an Arlington favorite, extending its fanbase beyond its annual appearance at the State Fair of Texas. After a significant push from devoted fairgoers, Harrison and company anchored their business in the community they've grown to love. "That’s only 24 days out of the year, but over the years, people have said, ‘do you have location,’ or ‘I have to wait for the Fair to get this again,’” Harrison recounted. "That’s what prompted us to even begin to start to look for a place and found Arlington", per the City of Arlington, Texas.
The storefront's top seller diverges from their State Fair claim to fame—the Blackened Shrimp Baked Potato. Co-owner Derrica Leonard revealed that their fried shrimp, with its innovative flavor combinations like Zesty Cool Ranch, Cajun Buffalo, and Hot Lemon Pepper, is now the star of the show. "We’re known for the Blackened Shrimp Baked Potato," Leonard said. "It’s how we got into the State Fair of Texas. We thought that would be our number one thing here, but the number one thing here is our fried shrimp with our flavors", as per the City of Arlington, Texas.
Shrimp Doc's menu doesn't shy away from variety, offering less conventional items like maple cinnamon waffles paired with shrimp and grilled shrimp with seasonal veggies and grilled rice. "We try to have something so it’s not all fried, and we have a few item things here that we don’t do at the State Fair, so you get a little treat if you come in," Harrison explained. The family is content with their Arlington community but doesn't rule out potential future expansions. The Shrimp Doc has received a warm welcome, with not just Arlington locals but food enthusiasts from all over showing up at their door. "Arlington has really been a great place. We really like it here in Arlington," David Harrison enthused, as cited by the City of Arlington, Texas.
Their commitment to their craft has certainly paid off, and with a growing customer base, it's evident that Shrimp Doc is more than just a seasonal delight. For those interested in visiting the Shrimp Doc and sampling their shrimp-centric menu, check out their Facebook page for restaurant hours. With a shrimp prescription from the Shrimp Doc, you're bound for a shellfish satisfaction that's become a new staple in Arlington's diverse culinary scene.
